Fans tuning in to the new season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! on Sunday night (16 November) were quick to notice the familiar jungle uniforms: khaki shirts, blue vests, red trousers — and the unmistakable red socks. While the outfits may look coordinated for stylistic reasons, there’s actually a surprisingly grim and practical purpose behind one of the key clothing choices.

Stars such as Kelly Brook are wearing the brightly coloured socks we're used to seeing for their jungle stint (ITV)

The episode opened with the ten new contestants — including Jack Osbourne, Kelly Brook, Aitch, and Ruby Wax — arriving in the Australian jungle in their everyday clothes. But as tradition dictates, they soon swapped their personal wardrobes for the official I’m A Celeb gear: khaki hats, lightweight shirts, red shorts or trousers, and sturdy walking boots. And paired with those boots? Bright red socks that left many viewers wondering why the show sticks so firmly to this particular colour.

I'm A Celeb's former resident medic Bob McCarron previously revealed why the stars wear red socks (Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

The answer comes from none other than Bob McCarron, the show’s former resident medic, who spent two decades caring for celebrity contestants braving the wild. Speaking previously to Woman’s Own, McCarron explained that the red socks are designed specifically to hide bloodstains. Campmates frequently receive small bites and nicks from the countless insects and critters that populate the jungle. On white or light-coloured socks, those tiny blood spots would stand out clearly — not exactly ideal for a prime-time family programme. Red socks, however, help disguise the marks, making them far less noticeable on camera.

“It helps hide the blood,” McCarron stated, adding that becoming a snack for hungry insects is simply part of jungle life. The decision was practical, not fashionable — a choice made early in the show’s run to keep both contestants and viewers a little more comfortable.

Although McCarron remains one of the most recognisable figures in the show's history, he stepped down in 2022 after twenty years of service. Reports at the time suggested he had become “too busy” to commit to the intense schedule required for monitoring the celebrities during filming. When confirming his departure, ITV emphasised their appreciation, saying: “Bob will always be a friend to the show. We wish him all the very best and thank him for his hard work.”

Even though this year’s season has only just begun, there’s already been no shortage of drama and viral moments. Viewers reacted strongly to Kelly Brook’s unexpectedly awkward reunion with hosts Ant and Dec, a moment that quickly reignited talk of her famously short-lived stint as a Britain’s Got Talent judge back in 2009. Piers Morgan also weighed in publicly, calling the interaction “interesting,” especially in light of the reported feud from years past.

Meanwhile, U.S. comedian Ruby Wax wasted no time making an impression, sharing an anecdote about allegedly being kicked off Donald Trump’s plane — prompting plenty of chatter online. And since we’re only 24 hours into the series, fans are bracing themselves for an eventful and unpredictable few weeks ahead.

(Sources: BBC News, Woman’s Own, The Guardian, ITV)